Public Statements

Kerry, Brown, McGovern, Capuano: $2 Million for Housing Help for Veterans in Worcester and Jamaica Plain

Press Release

Senators John Kerry and Scott Brown, along with Congressmen Jim McGovern and Michael Capuano, today announced that two organizations that help homeless veterans in Massachusetts will receive two million dollars from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to improve housing and expand support services for those with very low incomes.

The funding, awarded through the Supportive Services for Veterans Families Program, supports organizations that provide support services to very low-income veteran families living in or transitioning to permanent housing.

"I'm grateful to Secretary Shinseki for responding so quickly to my request and making this investment to help veterans who are hanging on by a thread," said Sen. Kerry. "It is the least we can do for people who have served our country."

"Taking care of veterans who have the greatest needs must always remain a priority for our nation," said Sen. Brown. "These grants will allow us to help those who have served us so well, and I am pleased the VA has made these funds available."

"I'm very pleased that Veterans, Inc. will be receiving this significant funding," Rep. McGovern said. "Veterans Inc. does tremendous work on behalf of the men and women who have served our nation in uniform. Central Massachusetts is a better place as a result."

"This program, which helps our low-income veterans with housing support and other assistance, is exactly the sort of initiative that I am fighting to save as Washington debates a reasonable and fair way to address the national debt," said Rep. Capuano

"We are honored to be selected to be able provide these services to veteran families throughout New England," said Vincent J. Perrone, Lieutenant Colonel, USAF (Retired), Veterans Inc. President and CEO. "With the award of this grant, Veterans Inc. will continue to raise the bar in assisting our veteran families in need."

A Vietnam veteran and long-time supporter of veteran services, Senator Kerry wrote a letter to Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki to request funding for one of the recipients, Veterans Inc. in Worcester, for providing cost-effective, innovative and successful programs for Massachusetts' veterans and their families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.